Pulmonary Embolism (Residuals)

DC 6817Respiratory38 CFR 4.97, DC 6817

A blood clot that traveled to the lungs. The VA rates the lasting effects (residuals) of a pulmonary embolism based on how much it affects your heart and lung function after the initial event has resolved.

Rating Levels

You have chronic pulmonary thromboembolism with evidence of pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular hypertrophy, or cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or you have had a pulmonary embolectomy.

What the VA looks for

Primary pulmonary hypertension
Cor pulmonale (right heart failure)
Right ventricular hypertrophy
Pulmonary hypertension confirmed by Echo or catheterization
History of pulmonary embolectomy
Severe exercise limitation or supplemental oxygen

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting ongoing anticoagulant use — if you are on blood thinners long-term after a PE, this supports at least a 30% rating. Bring your medication records.
⚠Not getting an echocardiogram — right heart changes (pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular dysfunction) move the rating from 30% to 60% or 100%. Ask your doctor for follow-up cardiac imaging.
⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — a pulmonary embolism can lead to chronic pulmonary hypertension, exercise intolerance, and anxiety/PTSD from the life-threatening event.
⚠Assuming the condition is "resolved" without testing — even after the acute clot resolves, lasting damage to the lungs and heart may persist. Get follow-up PFTs and echocardiograms.

Related DBQ Forms

DBQ Respiratory Conditions (other than Tuberculosis and Sleep Apnea)

View evidence checklist →See secondary conditions →

Condition Rating Guides

Understand what the VA looks for at each rating level — loading conditions…

Rating Levels

You have chronic pulmonary thromboembolism with evidence of pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular hypertrophy, or cor pulmonale (right heart failure), or you have had a pulmonary embolectomy.

What the VA looks for

Primary pulmonary hypertension
Cor pulmonale (right heart failure)
Right ventricular hypertrophy
Pulmonary hypertension confirmed by Echo or catheterization
History of pulmonary embolectomy
Severe exercise limitation or supplemental oxygen

Common Pitfalls

⚠Not documenting ongoing anticoagulant use — if you are on blood thinners long-term after a PE, this supports at least a 30% rating. Bring your medication records.

⚠Not getting an echocardiogram — right heart changes (pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular dysfunction) move the rating from 30% to 60% or 100%. Ask your doctor for follow-up cardiac imaging.

⚠Not filing for secondary conditions — a pulmonary embolism can lead to chronic pulmonary hypertension, exercise intolerance, and anxiety/PTSD from the life-threatening event.

⚠Assuming the condition is "resolved" without testing — even after the acute clot resolves, lasting damage to the lungs and heart may persist. Get follow-up PFTs and echocardiograms.